GLOBAL SECURITY REPORT (2024): NIGERIA RANKS AMONG TOP 10 COUNTRIES MOST AFFECTED BY TERROR-RELATED DEATHS

Nigeria has again emerged in the global spotlight following the latest 2024 terrorism impact statistics released by the Cable Index, placing the country among the top ten nations most affected by terror-related fatalities worldwide. The report indicates that just ten countries alone were responsible for a staggering 86% of global terrorism-linked deaths, underscoring the persistent threat posed by extremist violence across regions.

According to the index, African and Asian nations dominate the list, reflecting the continuous spread of insurgency, political instability, territorial conflicts, and extremist activities across both continents.

Burkina Faso tops the chart with 20% of global deaths, followed by Pakistan with 14%, and Niger with 12%, highlighting an alarming escalation of terror incidents within the Sahel and South-Central Asian regions.

Nigeria occupies the sixth position with 7% of global terrorism-related fatalities, reaffirming its ongoing struggle against insurgent groups, banditry, communal clashes, and violent extremist organisations mainly concentrated in the North-East, North-West, and Middle Belt regions.

Full Breakdown of Countries Leading Global Terror-Related Death Statistics (2024):

Rank Country Percentage Contribution

1 Burkina Faso 20%

2 Pakistan 14%

3 Niger 12%

4 Syria 10%

5 Mali 8%

6 Nigeria 7%

7 Somalia 5%

8 DR Congo 4%

9 Cameroon 3%

10 Russia 3%

— Others 14%

The report further reflects an evolving pattern of terrorism: shifting from Afghanistan and Iraq in earlier years to new hotspots in Africa’s Sahel region, where weak governance, porous borders, armed militias, and extremist infiltration have fostered insecurity.

Nigeria’s standing in the latest index renews calls for strengthened counter-terrorism strategies, international partnerships, intelligence-driven operations, and sustained socio-economic rehabilitation to reduce recruitment and radicalisation. It also raises fresh national security concerns ahead of regional elections, resource conflicts, and economic recovery efforts.

Despite incremental successes by security agencies, analysts believe the country’s path to peace requires a multidimensional approach anchored on security reforms, community engagement, modern technology, strengthened border control, and accountability-based governance.

As global terrorism evolves, the figures serve as a wake-up call for affected nations to reassess their security models, strengthen regional coalitions, and prioritise long-term peacebuilding over reactive force-based measures.